Environmental Architectural Technology, Task D

Lightbox Gallery Project

Enviromental Architectural Technology Task D

@00551349 University Of Salford

Introduction; The gallery project located in MediaCity features exhibits by abstract metal sculptor Anthony Caro. The materiality of the building consists of a mixture between concrete, metal such as steel and aluminium, glass and polycarbonate panels to form a curtain wall double skin facade. The ground floor exterior facade is curtain walling that is made from a mixture of different panels. Polycarbonate panels are used in the sections that would require privacy such as the washrooms, this would allow the vision of a floating volume of the solid first floor whilst also maintaining natural daylighting into these spaces. The glass glazing sections will be triple glazed to maximise the energy efficiently and reduce the issues that typically occur with glazed facades such as reducing heat loss and condensation (Weimar & López, 2018). The first floor exterior facade will feature overlapping zinc panels that can be customised by colour (Red) and will be placed horizontally to elongate the rectangular shape. Similarly the roof tiles will be constructed using standing seam panels onto concrete structure. The zinc panels on the roof will allow for rainwater to move into the gutter system inbetween the pitches for rainwater harvesting.

The properties of zinc include high resistance to corrosion, weathering, favourable to the environment due to the low production cost and longevity (VMZinc, 2019).

The interior finishes will be polished concrete for the flooring and acrylic paint finish on the walls to allow for the art to stand out and reflect off surfaces (Hoffmann & Schittich, 2016). The mullions of the glazing and window frames will be constructed using aluminium. Aluminium is commonly used in window framing for its properties of high thermal efficient means and strength being able to hold a bear the weight of the glass and structure supports meaning it will not bend, twist etc under pressures. The main issue faced by aluminium framing as opposed to timber is the issue of rot and being worn out over time can lead to the original look being faded away. To combat this adding a layer of powder coating will mitigate this issue and allow for the original style to be maintained for longer (Müller, 2011).

P Building: Centro “Arti e Scienze” Golinelli Architect: Mario Cucinella Architects Location: Bologna, Italy Use: Cultural Centre Year: 2017 The construction of this cultural centre is created by using a core that is a 20 × 35 m, 8 m high steel frame construction with a semi-transparent, double- walled facade of polycarbonate panels. The polycarbonate panels allow for light to access the interior spaces while also maintaining privacy and the vision of dematerializing space and at night the volume glows to emit light. Elements like the white-lacquered, double hollow profile supports that are spaced 2.5 m, lead up to a partially open truss roof. Besides that, the remaining central space is clear of partitions and adaptable to meet with the need or use, either becoming a large space for exhibits or events. The white acoustic ceilings harmonise with the light, polished concrete floor which is what gives the space more depth and allows for the exhibits to stand out. The exitor facade is enclosed in a metallic structure which attaches itself onto the exhibit centre, this space also can be accessed through an external stairway that allows views onto the surroundings (Guzman, 2017).

The influence from this precedent was the use of polycarbonate panels as a way to create privacy and allow light to enter the building. As with my structure the ground floor will aim to be encased by this curtain wall of polycarbonate panels which will give a contrast to the solid exterior facade of the first floor.

Building: Balaguer Courthouse Architect: Arquitecturia Location: Balaguer, Spain Use: Institutional building Year: 2016 The exterior facade of the building takes up a range of colours in the form of sheets of steel and traces the irregular shape on site. Buffer zones are created between the external shell and the storey-high glazing to the offices to create a clear contrast to each functional space. On one long side this intersection is revealed in the way the polycarbonate facade on the third and fourth floors steps back at an angle. Large areas of the Corten steel sheets are perforated creating a filtered view out of the building and when the lighting is switched on, allow people walking along to see sections of the interior space (Archdaily, 2016). With this project it inspired the gallery to take on a similar mix of facade materials to create a contrast between the different floors. With the idea of polycarbonate metal sheets, which reflect and allow visibility on the interior this can be used on the first floor in the parts which would need privacy on the ground floor such as office spaces. The assembly of this material makes it easier to fit on a metal aluminium framework that is used in the design, together with a mixture of concrete slabs and roofing.

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Roof Connection 1:5

1. VMZ Standing Seam 2. Continous eaves apron strip 3. Folded strip 0.7mm 4. Sheet clip 0.7mm 5. Continous sheet strip 0.7mm 6. Flashing 7. Gutter bracket 8 Gutter 9. Rafter 5mm thinner than insulation 10. Membrane 11. Concrete 50mm 12. Overlapping panels 2.5mm 13. Batten 20mm 14. Ventilated space 15. Mesh 2mm 16. Thermal Insulation 50mm

Mid Floor Connection 1:5 1. Overlapping panels 2.5mm 2. Batten 20mm 3. Ventilated space 4. Eaves apron strip 5. Mesh 2mm 6. Membrane 7. Thermal Insulation 50mm 8. Concrete blockwork 100mm 9. Plywood board 9.5mm 10. Concrete slab 11. Rafter 45mm 12. Steel beam support 13. Polycarbonate panels 12mm 14. Aluminium anchors 15. Gypsm board 9.5mm 16. Air fill 50mm

Ground Floor Assembly 1:5 1. Polycarbonate exterior panel facade 12mm 2. Steel Columns 3. Aluminium anchors 4. Masonry Brick 10mm 5. Cavity fill 6. Strip foundation (Concrete) 7. Damp proof membrane 8. Hard site material 9. Concrete slab 10. Air fill 50mm 11. Aluminium mullions 12. Mesh 2mm

Material study Wall Panelling System For the material study, the chosen building element is the exterior wall of the first floor which features an overlapping panelling system.

The main reason behind choosing zinc as a cladding material was due to the desire for having a metal facade that links with the metailwork of the artist. However, through researching the material, zinc is ideal for facade systems for the walls and roof because of its longevity and recyclability of the material. With the idea of sustainability and designing for deconstruction the zinc panels are able to be reused and recycled if they become damaged over time. Additionally, the material is cost effective and can be used alongside other metals like aluminium that is used within the frame to hold the panels in place (Lyons, 2014). Although a wooden or concrete facade cladding could have been chosen, the customizability and affordability of metal based facades would be better suited to the artist and surrounding area of Mediacity. Aluminium framing was used to hold up the zinc panels because it is light, durable and recyclable, although timber battens could have been used the issue of longevity and infestation may become a problem. Aluminium has better qualities against the weather elements and is able to be nailed into and customised to fit the measurements of the required panel (Sebestyén, & Pollington, 2003).

Building Model 1:200

Physical 1:2

Air cavity created inbetween panels & framework

The insulation is 50mm thick and is made from mineral wool because of its R-value efficacy and mineral wool insulation also contains 70 percent recycled material, which makes it more eco friendly. On the other hand, insulation such as fibreglass could have also been used however because of the additional benefit of mineral wool being hydrophobic meaning it will reduce the growth of mould means that it is a better material choice for the galler due to its close proximity to the water basin (Densley Tingley et al, 2015). The structure of the first floor exterior walls is concrete blockwork which is supported by vertical reinforcement to support the roof structure, the reasoning behind choosing concrete blockwork over traditional masonry brick is because of the better environmental and thermal qualities of concrete material. With sustainability in mind, the concrete will be able to act as a thermal mass as they will be able to absorb heat in summer months and be able to release the stored heat during the winter months (Lyons, 2014). The main idea behind picking these specific materials is because of the environment and energy efficiency factor as each of the materials are less wasteful to the environment and can be rectkes to create a new product. Even though timber can be argued as sustainable as well, the need to cut down trees to construct the material would not be beneficial instead using man made products that will last longer over time serves the purpose of the building better.

Digital 1:5

References; Archdaily, Centro “Arti e Scienze” Golinelli / Mario Cucinella Architects”, 2019 https://www.archdaily.com/913871/centro-arti-e-scienze-golinelli-mario-cucinella-architects Guzman. I, 2017 https://www.abitare.it/en/architecture/projects/2017/11/14/cucinella-golinelli-arts-centre-bologna/

Müller. (2011). Introduction to structural aluminium design. Whittles Publishing.

Hoffmann, & Schittich, C. (2016). Museum buildings : construction and design manual. Edition Detail. https://doi. org/10.11129/9783955532963

VMZinc, 2019 https://www.vmzinc.co.uk

Weimar, & López, S. A. (2018). Development of Thin Glass‐Polycarbonate Composite Panels. Ce/papers, 2(5-6), 1–17. https://doi. org/10.1002/cepa.906

Archdaily, “Balaguer Courthouse / Arquitecturia” [Juzgados de Balaguer / Arquitecturia], 2016 https://www.archdaily.com/800973/balaguer-courthouse-arquitecturia?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab

Lyons. (2014). Materials for architects and builders (5th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315768748

Densley Tingley, Hathway, A., & Davison, B. (2015). An environmental impact comparison of external wall insulation types. Building and Environment, 85, 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.11.021

Sebestyén, & Pollington, C. (2003). New architecture and technology. Architectural Press.

Precedent Images sources; Detail, 2018 https://inspiration-detail-de.salford.idm.oclc.org/report-arts-and-sciences-centre-114334.html

Detail Magazine, Balaguer Courthouse, 2017 https://inspiration-detail-de.salford.idm.oclc.org/Download/document-download/id/59fda5437e02a